2013 SAMPE Student Bridge Contest Rules QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Update April 9, 2013

1) Is there a limit to the size of each team? The Contest Rules are published here http://sampe.org/chapsociety/SAMPE%20Bridge%20Contest%20Spring%202013%20Final.pdf Teams are limited to a maximum of 4 team members that must design, analyze and build the bridge entry per these Rules. The registration form will require identification of the team members as part of the registration process. One of the members must act as the Team Leader. 2) What typically goes into a design proposal, and are there any examples we might be able to use? Please see Rule #3 in the Contest Rules. It gives a clear outline of what the design proposal must include and what the format must be. We cannot provide examples of past design proposals but if you have specific questions after reviewing Rule #3, please send questions to SAMPEBridgeContest@gmail.com. and well do our best to answer. 3) The $45 fee is per team, not per member, correct? That is correctIt is per Team. The fee covers expenses for shipping the kits and holding the contest. 4) I've seen the spreadsheet with kit materials that have been donated so far. Is that the amount that is given per team? We basically divide up the donation as listed by 75 and send that amount out per kit. We have not yet calculated what lengths those will be for things like the braided materials. When 2 or more kits are prepared for given school, we usually give in one length X times the number of kits and let them decide how to cut up. 5) I'm trying to register for the conference right now as well. If a team has paid the $45 fee, then does that mean each of the members also gets access to the exhibits at the conference? Each participant still needs to register for the conference. 6) I noticed that you are tightening up on multiple entries by having one entry per student name. Other than that, what should I be noticing as major changes to last years rules? There are no longer bridge weight limits, and the design load for each category has been put in "achievable" territory as opposed to significantly out of reach. This means that instead of trying to build the strongest bridge they can under a given weight, they need to build the lightest bridge they can that holds the design load. We also clarified the requirements for multiple "similar" entries. Lots of other tweaks, but those are the big ones. 7) I am curious if attendance is mandatory for the contest? If we did decide to participate, would it be possible to ship our bridge component? You do not need to attend the conference to participate in the Bridge Contest. You do need to contact the Bridge Committee at SampeBridgeContest@gmail.com to determine how you will ship the bridge to the committee and who can load it into the test fixture for you. In the past, students have elected to either send their bridges and posters via Fed Ex (overnight) or standard mail (must mail 2 weeks prior

to event) to the committee and authorize one of the committee members to load the bridge into the loading fixture for you the day of the contest. If this is something you and your team need to do, you must contact the committee via email to make arrangements no later than April 10, 2013. 8) Is there any limit to the bridge weight if we don't use the donated materials? The contest rules have changed with respect to weight requirements this year. There is no weight requirement, but weight will be used as the tie breaker if multiple entries achieve the max load requirement in each category. Please refer to Question #6 above and Item 10 in the 2013 Contest Rules which can be found on the SAMPE website: http://www.sampe.org/chapsociety/SAMPEBridgeContest.aspx 9) Can Basalt fibers be used in the Natural Fiber Category? While Basalt fibers are made from naturally occurring minerals, they are not naturally occurring in a fiber form. Consequently, they are categorized as a synthetic fiber (see table below). For additional information regarding fiber categorization, please refer to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiber for additional information.

10) For any of the I-beam bridge categories are we allowed to use gussets or ribs to reinforce the design, or does that count as part of the web and take it over the 0.6" maximum width requirement? Gussets or ribs extending perpendicularly outward from the web that exceed the .6" max are prohibited. 11) If I am a registered student at a community college, can I participate in the contest or can I join an existing team at another college or university? If you are a registered student at a community college, you may join the contest as either a representative of your community college or you may join an existing team at another college or university. If you decide to join an existing team at another college or university, it is assumed the Faculty Advisor at that college or university will confirm you are a registered student at your community college. 12) The rules do not mention a weight maximum. Is there one? No there isn't. Read the rules and you'll find it's to your advantage to minimize the weight as long as you can meet the design load. 13) Are we allowed to use core materials? Sure. 14) When should we expect our kit material to arrive? And which address will the package be sent to? The kits will be shipped on April 8th to the address you provided during registration. It'll take 5-7 shipping days typically to reach its destination.